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2 attacks near UF campus

Published: Sunday, August 31, 2014 at 4:17 p.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, August 31, 2014 at 4:17 p.m.

Two women were attacked Saturday night and early Sunday in separate incidents near the University of Florida campus. Police suspect the women were assaulted by the same man.

At about 9:20 p.m. Saturday, Gainesville police responded to reports of a woman screaming near 1824 NW Second Ave. When they arrived, they found a 21-year-old woman who had been punched in the face by an unknown man. The woman told police that the man ripped off some of her clothes and tried to rape her.

The man left before raping the woman and vanished into a crowd of Gator football fans. He was described as a white male with a heavy build, standing about 6 feet tall. His brown hair and beard were cut closely to his face. The man was wearing a blue Gator T-shirt, police said.

A second woman called police at about 2 a.m. Sunday. The woman had been dragged from the sidewalk into the woods along the edge of campus, near 400 SW 13th St., by a man who police say closely matched the description of the previous suspect.

University of Florida police said the woman was approached from behind and pulled into the bushes by the man. Witnesses passing by heard her yell for help and chased the man away. UPD officers say they believe the man's intent was sexual, but they do not have enough evidence to classify the attack as an attempted sexual battery.

Gainesville police believe the same man may have asked another person for a ride to the Americas Best Value Inn, 1900 SW 13th St., at about 2:40 a.m.

Officers knocked on every door of the motel while accompanied by a K-9 unit, but did not find the man.

GPD and UPD officers are continuing to investigate and plan to increase patrols. To report information about the suspect, contact GPD at 955-1818. You can also text an anonymous tip by texting keyword GPDFL, plus your tip, to 274637.

<p>Two women were attacked Saturday night and early Sunday in separate incidents near the University of Florida campus. Police suspect the women were assaulted by the same man.</p><p>At about 9:20 p.m. Saturday, Gainesville police responded to reports of a woman screaming near 1824 NW Second Ave. When they arrived, they found a 21-year-old woman who had been punched in the face by an unknown man. The woman told police that the man ripped off some of her clothes and tried to rape her.</p><p>The man left before raping the woman and vanished into a crowd of Gator football fans. He was described as a white male with a heavy build, standing about 6 feet tall. His brown hair and beard were cut closely to his face. The man was wearing a blue Gator T-shirt, police said.</p><p>A second woman called police at about 2 a.m. Sunday. The woman had been dragged from the sidewalk into the woods along the edge of campus, near 400 SW 13th St., by a man who police say closely matched the description of the previous suspect.</p><p>University of Florida police said the woman was approached from behind and pulled into the bushes by the man. Witnesses passing by heard her yell for help and chased the man away. UPD officers say they believe the man's intent was sexual, but they do not have enough evidence to classify the attack as an attempted sexual battery.</p><p>Gainesville police believe the same man may have asked another person for a ride to the Americas Best Value Inn, 1900 SW 13th St., at about 2:40 a.m.</p><p>Officers knocked on every door of the motel while accompanied by a K-9 unit, but did not find the man.</p><p>GPD and UPD officers are continuing to investigate and plan to increase patrols. To report information about the suspect, contact GPD at 955-1818. You can also text an anonymous tip by texting keyword GPDFL, plus your tip, to 274637.</p>